Animal Assisted Therapy for Kids' Dental Anxiety

Animal Assisted Therapy in Pediatric Dentistry

Recruiting N/A Interventional Study
Anxiety
No Placebo Group Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo. Healthy Volunteers Welcome You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Ready to participate?

Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.

At a Glance
Age
4 – 8
Sex
Any
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Supportive Care
Participants needed
225 (estimated)
Sponsor
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · Other
Who this trial is looking for

This trial is looking for children aged 4 to 8 who are anxious about dental visits. Participants will receive a dental exam with or without the presence of a therapy dog, and their stress levels will be measured.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

You may be able to join if

  • I am between 4 and 8 years old.
  • I speak English.
  • I haven't had a dental cleaning or exam in the past 3 months.
  • I am in stable physical health.
  • I can understand what is expected of me in the study.
  • I have signed an assent form and my legal guardian has given consent.

You may not be able to join if

  • I am under 4 years old or over 8 years old.
  • I do not speak English.
  • I do not want to participate or my parent/guardian did not give consent.
  • I have current dental pain.
  • I have allergies or bad reactions to dogs or dental products.
  • I am afraid of dogs or have had a bad experience with dogs.
  • I have a serious medical or psychiatric condition that could affect my participation.
  • I have a developmental or cognitive disability that prevents me from understanding the study.

Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria. The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can confirm whether you qualify.

Think this trial could be right for you?

Answer three quick questions written from this study's own rules to see if you may qualify. No account needed to find out.

Check Your Eligibility
About This Trial

A prospective randomized trial measuring physiologic biometrics and perceptions of stress during a pediatric dental exam, cleaning, and simulated radiographs with or without a therapy dog present.

Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Subjects must meet all of the following inclusion criteria to be eligible for enrollment in the study: * 4-8 years of age * English speaking * Qualifies for a dental exam and prophylaxis (cleaning) by having not received a dental prophylaxis or oral exam in the past 3 months * S…
Contacts

Laura A Jacox, DMD, PhD, MS

919-537-3424

ljacox@live.unc.edu

CONTACT

S.T. Phillips, BSDH

919-537-3422

sherrill_phillips@unc.edu

CONTACT